Misdemeanor
（重定向自Petty offenses）
![In the US, graffiti is a common form of misdemeanor vandalism, although in many states it is now a felony.](/Images/godic/202502/02/Graffiti_in_Bucharest,_July_20074056.jpg")
![Possession of cannabis is an unclassified misdemeanor in parts of the US.](/Images/godic/202502/02/Macro_cannabis_bud4056.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202502/02/Scale_of_justice_2.svg4056.png")
A misdemeanor (American English) or misdemeanour (British English) is any "lesser" criminal act in some common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished less severely than felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions (also known as minor, petty, or summary offences) and regulatory offences. Many misdemeanors are punished with monetary fines.